Happening Today

Edmonton Headlines: Thursday, March 23, 2017

Money for Edmonton

Written by Jeff Samsonow

The federal budget brings a few things Edmonton’s way, even if the finer details are yet to be worked out.

Public transit is getting a big boost, which means LRT expansion in Edmonton. The line to west Edmonton would be the biggest priority, followed by extending the Metro Line up to the new Blatchford neighbourhood northwest of NAIT and Kingsway Mall.

The University of Alberta is also going to get money to help in its efforts to build Skynet, or whatever else you do with AI (artificial intelligence).

At City Hall

This year’s election might be easier to run in than the next one, if the City decides to increase the requirements for a candidate to file nomination papers. The city council elected in October will assess if it makes sense to increase the number of signatures of support someone needs to run, as well as the amount of money for a deposit. (It’s slightly misleading to say the next city council will decide this, since incumbents rarely lose and it looks like 10 councillors and the mayor are running this fall, most of whom will be re-elected.)

We shouldn’t worry about a few candidates who may not be as serious as others, or as pedigreed, and increase the barrier to running. While I’d be more open to the increasing of signatures, jacking up the price of running is a classist move.

Weirdly (for Edmonton anyway) this is the second historic building in our city to be set on the path of preservation and rejuvenation this week.

QEII Planetarium

Around the city

For the second time this week the height of Old Strathcona is in the news. A 31-storey tower is being proposed for the Wild Earth Bakery/Food site on 99 Street (the old Bateman IGA). It is likely going to face a lot of opposition after the City’s approvals of Whyte Avenue towers offside with neighbourhood building rules. (That, and the fact it does appear to be well out-of-scope from anything around the site.)

Local business

A fantastic Edmonton business, Anthony At Your Service, is expanding into St. Albert. This is a great business because it employs people with disabilities with the goal of giving them actual work, and full pay for that work, as well as making sure they’re active members of society. If you need something picked up or delivered in Edmonton (or St. Albert!), this is the place to call.